Grand Ravines Engagement Session

McKenzie and Austen braved the snow

These two were brave souls who met with our team during a winter weather advisory! The snow was falling so fast that I had to keep scooping snow out of the view finder of my camera. But the cold temps and abundance of snow falling didn’t stop these two from showing how much they love each other. They faced it like true champs.

I thinks this bodes well for their future together. Life will bring they adversity but if they face it together, they can still put a smile on each other’s face.

Winter Engagement – Holland, MI

Outdoor snowy engagement session

Amanda and Jamison braved the February cold for their snow winter engagement session. The fresh snow fall created a nice, clean backdrop for their photographs. The clothing choices set them apart enough but not so much that it was a distraction.

We celebrated their love and they each enjoyed hearing things from the other that warmed their hearts. Their safe place is obviously in each other’s arms and they look good there!

Thank you, Amanda and Jamison for allowing me to journey with you a bit and capture some wonderful memories for you!

Holland MI Engagement Session

Sunny March afternoon fun

Stefanie & Jonathan – Man! Laughter abounds between these two. We had such fun during their session! Their easiness with each other simply overflowed and made for wonderful memories for them. It was just an added bonus that the sun happened to be shining a bit that day.

We had to take breaks because all the smiling made our cheeks hurt! You can see how these two love each other and now they have memories that they can cherish for a lifetime! See you next June, Stefanie and Jon. I CAN”T WAIT!

No matter what time of year it is, it is always a great time to have your engagement session. Our sessions are like none other! Just ask some of our couples and they will tell you that it is nothing like they expect and they are glad!

Muskegon Lakeshore Engagement Session

A walk through the woods to the Lake Michigan shoreline

Stacy and Trent met us out at Hoffmaster State park in Muskegon, MI on a cold Saturday afternoon. There was remaining snow on the trails that made out journey out to Lake Michigan interesting to say the least! Most impressive was Stacy’s ability to walk down the icy path in her 3″ heels! She and Trent made it look easy!

Now you may think that engagement sessions in the winter without snow falling or even much on the ground isn’t optimal, but I think you will see from their faces that any time you get together to celebrate that you’ve found your one true love, that the result is absolutely beautiful!

After our trek to the lake and back we did take time to do a couple of “artsy” images just for fun. 🙂

Looking your best in your Wedding Photos

It’s not everyday that you are in front of a camera for hours on end. On your wedding day, you will be getting loads of photos of you and your new hubby. So how do you guarantee you’ll look your best behind the camera? Here are some tips to avoid the double trouble, slouchy posture, fakes smiles, so you are looking and feeling your best for the photos you’ll keep forever.

Smile, smile smile.

Practice smiling naturally! Smile like you do on a daily basis. If you feel like your smiles are getting a little stiff and unnatural in your photos, relax your face. Think about what makes you happy … like spending the rest of your life with your new hubby! Also, don’t forget to smile with your eyes. Sometimes your eyes have a little more to say than your mouth!

What’s your best side?

This is a common question photographers will ask before sessions start. This is all about preference! If you don’t know, try taking pictures on both sides while practicing posing your face in different tilted directions. Find the side you are comfortable with and you feel best highlights your facial features.

Avoid the double trouble!

Don’t we all hate those unexpected double chins in our photos? It’s a natural thing but they are somes ways to avoid it! Relax. Take a deep breathe. Lower your shoulders, stick your chin out and press your tongue to the roof of your mouth to give the illusion of a elongated neck. On the big day, raise your chin and and twist your head slightly away from the camera.

Beat the sweat.

If you’re planning on getting married in the heat of summer, there is a good chance you’ll experience the unavoidable sweat. Your sweat = shine, and that’s not always appealing. So, make sure to either pack some oil dabbing sheets or extra translucent powder to control the shine.

Accentuate your arms.

It is good to be mindful of how your arms are posed against your body. It is better to place a hand on a hip to accentuate your waistline and slim your arm, than have your arms smushed against your body. Practice posing so you find a look that’s natural and comfortable for you.

It’s all about the angles!

Yes, geometry can be a little helpful on the wedding day! Angle yourself 45 degrees … acute angle … so that your body’s depth (not width) is on display! Or try balancing your weight on on your back foot and cross one in front of the other. Give a little hip pop. Angles can be more appealing and slimming to the body!

Give your legs a little love!

Although your legs are going to be covered by your gown, you still have to give them a little love! Bend your knees a little bit to avoid looking too stiff in your photos. It’s all about shifting your balance from one leg to another.

Move a little!

Movement helps your photos look more natural, and when you’re actually enjoying yourself, it shows. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate, movement is pretty simple.

Posture is key.

A lot of the time an over exaggerated pose can feel ridiculous in ‘real life’ but looks great in photos. Practice in advanced standing up and sitting up straight. Straighter posture not only looks better in photos, but you will appear a little more confident on your day!

Just be yourself

There are a lot of technical things that go into having good photos. But the most important thing is to remember to be yourself! You don’t have to try to be anything other than your true self. You are unique. You are beautiful. Let YOU shine through on your wedding day. The emotions, love and joy you feel on your wedding day will do a lot of the work for you. Just relax, laugh a little, and be in the moment.

Planning for a Stress-free Wedding Day

All your planning has come to the one day, and it’s normal to feel a little stressed and nervous before the wedding. But your day should not be consumed with stress. Take a deep breath! Remember, your wedding day is about you, your love, and of course, your new hubby. Save the sweat, and prepare ahead of time for smooth sailing on the big day. Here are a couple tips for a stress free day.

Consider a Day Coordinator

This could be a designated person that would on duty to smooth out any issues or concerns going on throughout the day

Keep your morning free of plans

Just stick to the necessities, like hair and makeup! Planning to many activities the morning of the wedding can be a little overwhelming. You want to have fun and enjoy the experience without feeling rushed. The morning will go by very quickly so spend a relaxing, stress free morning with your maids to get excited and refreshed for the day.

Set out dress, shoes, and accessories beforehand

Have your dress hanging up out of its cover and all your shoes and accessories laid out, with the labels cut off. Be sure to steer clear from the makeup and hair products. This will help you and when it comes time to photograph all those important detailed shots.

Getting ready room is good to go

Get everything ready the night before, and be sure the room a nice and tidy beforehand, so dirty laundry, trash, breakfast leftovers are not hanging out in the background of the photos.

Surround yourself with loved ones

Simply being around people you love helps relieve all those little anxieties and stresses fluttering inside you. Although It’s tempting to invite lots of friends and family over to start the celebrations early, things can get hectic quickly.

Pack a bride survival kit

Prepare for it all. The last thing you can to be doing on your day is savanging around for a bobby pin, stain remover, or even tissues. Pack all the potential essentials in a little tote, that your maids can bring to the ceremony and reception. Ideas of what to include: Mini sewing kit, towelettes, makeup wipes, tissues, blotting papers, deodorant, stain remover pen, emergency snacks, gum, lint roller, bobby pins, hair spray, and extra translucent powder and lip color.

Roll with the punches attitude

There may be a few bumps along the road – maybe your forecast was supposed to be sunny, and there is a last minute down poor. Find joy in whatever happens, they will then become apart of the incredible memories you are creating alongside your friends and family.

Get some alone time with your new husband

Throughout the day, it is easy to get distracted by the numerous amounts of family and friends surrounding you. Take a little breather, 10 or 15 minutes together, decompressing the ceremony and the immense amount of love and joy you are experiencing.

Remember what’s important

This day is about your marriage and the love you share with your new husband. There are always going to be things that are out of your control, and down the road, those are not going to matter in comparison to the memory of the covenant you have created on this day.

Hoffmaster Winter Engagement Session

Winter in Muskegon, MI

We were waiting for fresh snow and when the forecast said it was coming, Marissa was quick to reach out so we could take advantage of it. We met near the south entrance of Hoffmaster State park and enjoyed the snow covered pines as well as the quiet creek that runs through the park. We then went further in the park to the visitors center to take advantage of the options there.

John and Marissa have an easiness about them the conveys their comfort with each other. While it was cold out, you would never know by the warmth that bubbles up between these two. They laughed, danced and kissed as thought it was the warmest of days.

Congratulations on your upcoming marriage, John and Marissa. May your safe place always be in each others arms.

Featured Vendor – Chalet Floral and Events

Muskegon MI Florist and Event Planning

Today I bring to you a wonderful peek into Chalet Floral & Events. To say that they’re a florist is a vast understatement! The do flowers and plants for all your occasions but they also do so much more! Their recently remodeled show rooms sports many, many gift items to suite any taste and decor. You can walk in and pick up some fresh flowers or a plant for your home or you can utilize their convenient delivery service.

They also offer full wedding and event planning service and rentals. You can rent your linens, tuxes and a myriad of other items to help your dream wedding come to fruition. They offer uplighting, centerpieces and table runners. They offer gift items like frames but also the cake toppers that you want. While the gals are immersed in the decor, they guys can go and browse the many tuxedo options without having to go to another location. Jamie will guide you through each option and help your plan come together beautifully.

So stop in to Chalet today and tell Jamie that Brenda sent you. He’ll take good care of you!